Friday, November 19, 2010

Jacqueline Becker - Jacqueline Becker

Jacqueline Becker - Jacqueline Becker

2010, Jacqueline Becker

Jacqueline Becker is a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter standing on the cusp of something big.Big hair; big personality, and a voice that’s larger than life are all qualities you can’t miss.Becker has recently been featured as the voice of Riley Kendrick in Elle Magazine’s animation series Dirty Little Secret.Becker’s self-titled debut album is a study in contracts.While the performances are as variable as the material, Becker’s voice shines through like a beacon.

Jacqueline Becker opens with the deliciously bluesy "Don't Forget", exuding a mix of toughness and vulnerability that's positively theatrical. Becker's voice is enthralling, comprised of gorgeous tone, a touch of brass and a breathy flavor when she digs out the high notes. "What Do Other Women Do?" is a funky rock tune that's stripped down. It's a call out to a beau over his roaming behavior that's entertaining and fun. "The Love You Need" is a bluesy come-on, full of a sensual self-assurance that's palpable. The song itself is somewhat average for songwriting, but Becker takes it over the top with a dynamic performance.

"Come Home To Me" teams with jealousy and desire. The bluesy folk arrangement is a call to a man to stop running around and just come home, and is very well written and perfectly delivered. "Carefully" is a solid ballad with pop and R&B undertones that shows off Becker's voice nicely but once again is a bit on the pedestrian side. "Honest Man" finds Becker sinking back into the bluesy sound after a slight detour in a plus performance that shows the earmarks of consistency and polish. "Sugar" questions a partner's fidelity while using sex as a weapon to try to control his behavior. Becker closes with "Glass Was Sand", an apologist monologue on human imperfect in relationships. Becker gives a performance that's vulnerable and moving in its knowing sadness.

Jacqueline Becker delivers a positive if slightly inconsistent performance on her self-titled debut album. The songwriting is generally above average, but Becker has a way of enhancing even the drollest turns of phrase with a high-voltage personality that shines through the subtlety and grace of a long-time stage performer. When Jacqueline Becker turns it on she owns the room/stage/studio. Becker isn't on 100% of the time here, but there's more than enough here to keep up the intrigue.